Do you love to cook? Do you enjoy spending time in the kitchen and preparing delicious meals for your friends and family? Do you have children who are curious about cooking and baking? Then it’s time to get them in the kitchen and let them cook.

There are so many great reasons why you should teach your children to cook.

• It allows you to spend time together.
• It can expand their palates.
• It’s a fantastic life skill.
• It’s educational as it has children reading, doing math, and even learning the science behind cooking and baking.
• It can introduce them to different cultures.

If you have children who are just getting started in the kitchen, here are some recipes that are simple enough for them to feel accomplished – and that they’ll love to eat!

• Strawberry Banana Smoothie: Smoothies are a great way to get kids in the kitchen as they are fairly simple to make – so even the youngest children can help with this recipe. Plus, kids will love these for breakfast, a snack – or even dessert.
• Fluffy Marshmallow Cream Cheese Fruit Dip: Let the kids make this delicious fruit dip to go with any fresh fruit that they love. You can also let the kids cut up the fruit! There are kid-safe knives available that are ideal for letting kids get used to handling knives and practicing their slicing and dicing skills. 
• Ham and Cheese Pinwheels: These Ham and Cheese Pinwheels are a sandwich alternative that the kids are going to love to make and eat! They are totally customizable. Your children can choose mustard or mayo (or plain), pick their favorite cheese, some ham, and then some vegetables (lettuce, julienned carrots, cucumbers, and peppers would all be fantastic choices). Plus, these pinwheels can be switched up with all sorts of different ingredients – so the kids can really get creative.
• Make-Ahead Fruit and Yogurt Parfaits: These are a great thing to make on the weekend and have all throughout the week (which is perfect for showing the kids how useful meal prep can be). 
• No-Bake Energy Bites: Want the kids to help prepare a healthy snack? Then these No-Bake Energy Bites are ideal! They have all sorts of healthy ingredients, and the kids can help measure, mix, and then roll them into balls. Additionally, they’re an easy snack to grab and go after school.
• Pizza Quesadilla: This recipe probably combines two of your child’s favorite meals – pizza and quesadillas! And yes, the kids can help with the entire thing! Let them fix dinner for you and make these!
• Cake Mix Cookie Bars: Need a yummy dessert or something for the classroom bake sale? Then get the kids involved. This semi-homemade dessert makes for a sweet treat that everyone will love.
• Turkey-Apple Grilled Cheese Sandwich: Learning to make a great grilled cheese is not a skill that should be scoffed at. This one adds some apple for a bit of crunch and sweetness – and it’s yummy!  
• Simple Chicken Soup: Soups are a great meal to teach kids because it usually only involves one large pot and it helps them develop good knife skills. This one uses roast chicken (or a rotisserie chicken) and can be on the table in under an hour. 
• 4-Ingredient Ravioli Lasagna: Your kids will be so proud of themselves when this ends up on the dinner table! It’s simple and satisfying!

Cooking doesn’t have to be complicated – and it’s a great skill for kids to learn. Share some of these recipes with your children, and let them get in the kitchen and help.